My 15 month old is bullying other babies at daycare. What to do?

Question

My daugther has been attending the daycare since she was 4 months old and has grown up with the other 6 or so babies in her room. Last week they told me that she has started being a bully. She pushed down a 2 yr old on the playground and took her toy. She also slaps at the other babies when they have something she wants. She is my only child but she has a 9 yr old half brother who is with us on the weekends. The only time she is around other kids is at daycare. The childcare providers aren't really too concerned. I know they tell her "no" when she does these things. I guess I'm worried she'll grow up to be a bully or a brat. Is this just something normal kids go through?

Answer 1

That's normal. Especially for kids who are only children. My oldest was like that. Even my 1 y/o is like that. babies are very territorial. And if they see something they want, they take it. If the day care isn't concerned, I wouldn't be either. You can try to talk to her and tell her it's not ok, but 1 y/o's are really hard to reason with. Good luck.

Answer 2

Overall yes, it's a phase.  The only one of my children who didn't really go through this was my oldest child.  Toddlers usually have the MINE MINE MINE mentality. There isn't a whole lot you can do, just reinforce that the behavior is wrong... which will be hard when she is the only one at home.  If you have any friends with small children, it would be good for her to be around them when you're around.  This way you can see how exactly she interacts, and you will be able to reinforce positive behaviors such as sharing.  Redirection usually seems key.

Answer 3

First off tell your child, "Maybe if you ask NICELEY they will share the toy with you!!!" or "Maybe if you become a better friend, kids would want to share with you more!!!" I hopw this works and you see progression in your child!!! Your Welcome!!! By the way I am only 13 but I have to do this with my little brother lol!!

Answer 4

This is your daughters way of communicating. She is able to achieve what she wants by taking it, or hitting another child.

It's important for the daycare employees to do more than tell your daughter, "No."

They need to explain, "No, hitting hurts our friends." Or, "Bobby had the toy, when he is done, it will be your turn."

Around the age of 3 most children start to understand the concept of sharing. However, it's important to present this concept to children early.

When you are at home, and playing with her don't allow her to  take toys from you. If/when she grabs for a toy you are holding. Tell her that she needs to wait her turn.

Play with for a little longer, and then give it to her. Praise her for waiting.

If she hits, walk away, with the toy. Teach her that hitting means she doesn't get the toy or get to play with you any longer. You can return to playing after a few minutes.